Men’s Swimwear: What’s Hot, What’s Not

Men want to look good in every situation – from beach to boardroom. Perhaps this is why men’s swimwear is becoming increasingly fashion-conscious. Taking a cue from women’s swimwear, men’s swimwear is now designed to accentuate the merits of the male body in styles ranging from the minimalist bikini brief to the more modest board short silhouette.

Trends come and go, and men’s swimwear is no exception. While the traditional Speedo-style swim brief was popular in the past, today men are purchasing less swim briefs – perhaps because they have a restricting fit and provide minimal coverage.

Instead, more men are opting for the board short style of men’s swimwear, which has a relaxed, comfortable fit and offers more coverage. Board shorts for men are so hot that women are wearing board shorts, too. You’ll find “boyfriend” style board shorts in women’s casual fashion and women’s swimwear designs.

Men’s swimwear comes in four main categories: Board shorts, swim trunks, swim shorts and swim briefs. Of these types of men’s swimwear, board shorts are by far the most popular. In fact, board shorts are the fastest growing trend in men’s swimwear today.

Board Shorts

What is it about men’s swimwear board shorts that makes them so popular? Perhaps it’s the comfortable fit and casual styling that make board shorts a favorite among men. Perhaps it’s the athletic spirit of board shorts, which were originally developed for surfing but quickly spread to mainstream men’s swimwear.

Authentic board shorts are designed to be quick drying; they are often made of smooth polyester or nylon material. Board shorts are durable and hold up to wear from contact with a surfboard yet they are comfortable and lightweight. This type of men’s swimwear doesn’t have an elastic waist like swim shorts do; instead it has a more rigid waistband with a laced drawstring. Board shorts have longer legs than other men’s swimwear with the length extending below the knees at times.